Making Your Dog Eat: Ideas and Tips to Try

Introduction

Getting your pup to eat can be a challenge, especially when they’re being stubborn or picky. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to encourage them to eat. In this article, we’ll explore how to make your dog eat by looking at different foods to try, ways to make meal times fun, the importance of having a regular meal schedule, and more.

Experiment with Different Foods

When it comes to getting your pup to eat, it’s important to experiment with different types of food. Start by trying different flavors and textures of dry kibble. Some dogs may prefer crunchy foods while others may prefer softer foods. You can also try adding wet food to their meals for added flavor and moisture. Additionally, you can offer them fresh fruits and vegetables as occasional snacks. Be sure to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.

When experimenting with different types of food, it’s important to look for the most appetizing option. If possible, try to get your pup to sample different foods before committing to buying a large bag. This will help ensure that you find something they actually enjoy eating.

Make Meal Times Fun

Another way to encourage your dog to eat is to make meal times fun. Dogs love to play, so use this to your advantage. Offer your pup toys and games during meal times to keep them occupied and interested in their food. This could include a puzzle toy filled with treats or a game of fetch with their favorite ball. Not only will this make meal times more enjoyable, but it will also help distract them from any negative associations they may have with eating.

Making meal times fun can also help reinforce positive behaviors and establish a healthy relationship between you and your pup. By playing with them and rewarding them with treats, you’re helping to create a strong bond between the two of you.

Create a Routine

Having a regular meal schedule is an important part of encouraging your pup to eat. When your pup knows when to expect their meals, they’ll be more likely to eat on time. Establishing a routine will also help them stay on track with their diet and nutrition. Try to feed your pup at the same time every day and in the same place if possible.

If you need to adjust your pup’s meal schedule, do it gradually. For example, if you want to move their mealtime from 7am to 8am, start by moving it to 7:30am and then 7:45am before eventually reaching 8am. This gradual transition will help your pup adjust to the new schedule.

Feed Smaller Portions

Another way to encourage your pup to eat is to divide their meals into smaller portions. This will help them feel full and satisfied without overindulging. It will also help prevent them from becoming bored with their food since they’ll have something new to look forward to each day. Consider dividing their meals into multiple servings throughout the day.

You can also add variety to their meals by alternating between different types of food. For example, one day you could give them dry kibble and the next day you could give them wet food. This will help keep their meals interesting and encourage them to eat.

Hand-Feed Treats

Hand-feeding treats is another great way to make your pup eat. This will help create a positive association between you and their food. Offer them a few small treats throughout the day as a reward for good behavior. This will also help keep them interested in their meals and entice them to finish their food.

When offering treats, be sure to choose ones that are nutritious and appropriate for your pup’s size. Avoid giving them too many treats as these can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Also, be sure to rotate between different types of treats so they don’t become bored.

Use Healthy Toppings

Adding healthy toppings to your pup’s meals can be a great way to make them more appealing. Try topping their food with plain yogurt, cooked eggs, or canned pumpkin. These toppings are all nutritious and can help make their meals more enjoyable. Just be sure to avoid any ingredients that are toxic to dogs such as garlic and onions.

Using healthy toppings can also provide your pup with additional vitamins and minerals that may be missing from their diet. This is especially important if you’re feeding them a commercial kibble that doesn’t provide all the nutrients they need. Adding healthy toppings can help make up for any nutritional deficiencies in their diet.

Consult Your Veterinarian

If you’re still having trouble getting your pup to eat, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. They can assess your pup’s diet and help you determine the best course of action. Your vet may recommend switching to a different type of food or adding supplements to their meals. They may also suggest introducing a new activity or game to make meal times more enjoyable for your pup.

It’s important to remember that every pup is different and what works for one pup may not work for another. Consulting your veterinarian is the best way to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to make your pup eat.

Conclusion

Getting your pup to eat can often be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be. By experimenting with different foods, making meal times fun, establishing a routine, and using healthy toppings, you can help encourage your pup to eat. Additionally, don’t forget to consult your veterinarian if you’re still having trouble. With a little patience and persistence, you can make meal times enjoyable for both you and your pup.